- Asmik Grigorian, Lukas Geniušas: “Dissonance” (Alpha Classics)
- Gegham Grigorian, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Mark Ermler: “Arias from Operas” (Melodiya; archival reissue)
- Irena Milkevičiūtė, Ričardas Biveinis: “Russian Romances” (Melodiya; archival reissue)
As a rule, Chekhov’s plays end cynically, unceremoniously closing the door on yet another bleak house. The exception to this is “Uncle Vanya,” which offers a rare emotion in the playwright’s repertoire: if not hope, then at least consolation. In the final moments, Vanya and Sonya, both heartbroken, are bent over accounting ledgers. “I’m so unhappy, dear,” he tells his niece. “If you only knew how unhappy I am!”